12 January 2000

 

SIR REG EMPEY ATTENDS MEETING OF THE ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

Sir Reg Empey, MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, today attended his first meeting of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said: "I am fully aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with this post and to help me in my job, I will be drawing on the collective knowledge and experience of the Committee to help progress and transform our economic fortunes.

"I firmly believe that local political control and the prospect of social stability gives Northern Ireland its best background in decades for substantial economic growth. I am confident that with willingness and energy, together we can work towards the goals of increased employment and improved standards of living for everyone.

"For my part, I look forward to working closely with the members of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee in building a better Northern Ireland," the Minister said.

The Committee has been established to advise and assist the DETI Minister in the formulation of policy on matters within his responsibility. The Committee, which consists of 11 Assembly Members chaired by Mr Pat Doherty, will also undertake a scrutiny, policy development and consultation role with respect to the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

 

NOTE TO EDITORS

The members of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee are as follows:-

Mr Pat Doherty (Chairman)	Sinn Féin
Mr Sean Neeson (Deputy Chairman)	Alliance
Mr Gregory Campbell	Democratic Unionist Party
Mr Wilson Clyde	Democratic Unionist Party
Ms Jane Morrice	NI Women’s Coalition
Dr D O’Hagan	Sinn Féin
Mr Alex Attwood	SDLP
Ms Patricia Lewsley	SDLP
Dr Alasdair McDonnell	SDLP
Mr David McClarty	Ulster Unionist Party
Mr Duncan Shipley-Dalton	Ulster Unionist Party